Black ice suspected in fatal crash that killed 16-year-old in Sheboygan Co.: "Everyone is in shock"
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY -- A teenager died in a crash in the Town of Lyndon on Tuesday morning, January 3rd.
Officials say they received a 911 call just after 7:00 a.m. reporting a serious injury crash.
The 16-year-old driver of a pickup truck and a 16-year-old passenger were westbound on County Highway U just east of Elderberry Lane, where they encountered black ice. Officials say the driver lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway into the south ditch -- and collided with trees.
The driver was ejected and died at the scene. She has been identified as 16-year-old Jodeen Hinz.
The passenger was uninjured.
They were apparently on their way to class at Plymouth High School.
Classmates gathered at the scene on Tuesday afternoon.
"I think everyone is in shock. It hasn't hit too hard yet," a classmate said.
Friends shared photos of the girl who was dedicated to her horses.
Jodeen Hinz (left)
Jodeen Hinz
"This was in Kentucky -- a convention for FAA," a classmate said.
"I know right now she`d be looking down at all of us telling us not to cry. 'Everything is going to be OK,' and be her giggly self and everything," a classmate said.
Among those in the crowd was the 16-year-old passenger -- who was in the pickup truck and walked away from the crash unharmed.
He said he's not ready to speak on camera just yet.
Jodeen Hinz (left)
"I`ve never had anything happen like this and it's a sad story because she just got her license not even that long ago. She didn`t even have her license for a year -- so it`s really hard," a classmate said.
Jodeen Hinz
"She could light up the world. Everyone knows who Jodi is. Everything she would say would make you laugh. She is dearly missed, and I am going to miss he a lot. It has been hard to cope with so far," a classmate said.
Plymouth Superintendent Dr. Carrie Dassow issued the following statement:
"We are grieving the loss of one of our students, who passed away in a car accident this morning. We are very saddened by this event, and our condolences go out to the family.
We are asking students to stay at school where counselors and other support are available."
Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.